In response to chronic low staffing levels in the city’s police and fire departments, Chula Vista residents may be asked to vote next year on a measure that would increase the sales tax to fund additional positions.
Over the years, the number of personnel in each agency has not kept pace with the city’s growing population. The shortage, most notably, has left both departments to deal with slow response times.
Earlier this year, the City Council started to tackle the staffing woes, instructing city staff to find solutions. Last week, the staff proposed that the City Council place a half-cent sales tax hike measure on the November 2018 ballot.
The idea was broadly supported by council members, so much so they asked staff to report back on whether it was a feasible option to ask voters to consider the measure as early as June — in the state primary election.